THE LIFE OF A LOST PRINCESS

1515

Margaret is born at Harbottle Castle, Northumberland. Because she is born in

England, she is her uncle Henry VIII’s subject, and as such has a strong claim to the throne.

1527 Margaret’s parents, Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus, and Margaret

Tudor (right) divorce, which raises enduring

questions about Margaret’s legitimacy.

1530

She arrives at the English court, where she is treated as a princess of the blood. She

will serve five of Henry VIII’s wives.

1536–37

Margaret secretly precontracts herself to Lord Thomas Howard. Both are impris

oned in the Tower. Margaret is released, but Thomas dies of an illness.

1544

Margaret marries Matthew Stuart, Earl

of Lennox. It is a love match.

1562– 63

Margaret is kept under house arrest at Sheen for plotting to marry her son, Lord

Darnley, to Mary, Queen of Scots.

1565– 67

MargaretM is again imprisoned in the TowerT after Darnley (left) marries

MaryM without Elizabeth I’s consent. CompassionC prompts Elizabeth to releasere her after Darnley’s murder.

1571

Margaret’s husband, the Earl of Lennox, is assassinated in Scotland after a turbulent

regency for their grandson, James VI.

1574–75

Margaret schemes to marry her son

Charles Stuart to Bess of Hardwick’s daughter Elizabeth Cavendish. For this, she is once again sent to the Tower, but

remains there for only a few weeks.

1578

Margaret dies at her house at Hackney,

and is accorded a state funeral and

buried in Westminster Abbey.